Gettleman’s Draft Theory: Change Everything

Change the New York Giants Draft Strategy

Sipro @slickfella_spi

“We’re changing everything around in the department, from how we operate to the grading scale, everything,’’

“Everything. Nothing’s going to stay the same.’’

Late in January, Dave Gettleman said something that was music to Giant fan’s ears. Gettleman wants to blow up the old Jerry Reese draft strategy. While it can be argued that the Reese strategy did bring in a few gems, there was certainly a LOT left to be desired. The Reese strategy seemed to neglect very important positions that had previously led the Giants to Super Bowls.

Reese seemed to take chances on raw talent rather than production. This led to the selections of players like Clint Sintim, Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan, Adrien Robinson, Damontre Moore, etc.. You get the point. The end result? A ton of 3rd-5th round draft picks that never amounted to anything in the NFL, never mind the New York Giants.

Reese and his scouting staff also never seemed to have a great eye for finding great substance on the Offensive Line. ie: Koets, Brewer, McCants, Mosley, Herman, Petris, Hart. While Pugh and Richburg had talent, the ROI was not nearly as good as where they were drafted. Ditto for Ereck Flowers, up until this point. Save for Defensive Tackle, they have also not been able to build up a great Defensive Line either.

In comes Dave Gettleman. He wants to totally revamp Reese’s drafting system. So, what does that mean exactly?

What we do know, and what Gettleman has already intimated, they are going to put more emphasis on both the offensive and defensive lines. “Big men allow you to compete. If you don’t have big men, you can’t compete” said Gettleman. He has drafted big men such as Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short, Trai Turner, Andrew Norwell in his short time in Carolina.

Could this also mean that more linebackers are in store? The position was so badly neglected by Reese that the best players drafted during his tenure were Jonathan Goff, BJ Goodson and our current long-time long snapper Zak DeOssie. If the Giants are switching to more of a 3-4 Defense under James Bettcher, they will need an influx of talent there. Gettleman drafted Shaq Thompson with his 2015 1st Round pick, so he has shown that he is not as reluctant to draft a linebacker high in the draft.

Only time will tell what these changes in draft strategy will entail. I am intrigued by the thought of a new process. Especially, at a time where the Giants will be picking the highest they have been selecting since 2004. If there was anytime to nail a draft, this is the time. A great draft can set the New York Giants up for a quick rebound in 2018 and a great future moving forward.